Accident Overview
The pilot, aged 22 with approximately 72 hours of flight experience, and three passengers embarked on a three-day excursion to Bryce Canyon and the Grand Canyon. The rented aircraft departed at night, exceeding its maximum takeoff weight by 68 pounds and with the center of gravity positioned 1 inch aft of the most rearward allowable limit.
Flight History
After reaching the first destination and spending the day sightseeing, the group departed again at night for the Grand Canyon. The planned 56-minute leg was tracked on radar for a total of 1 hour and 39 minutes, during which the aircraft's track meandered and varied in altitude, reaching up to 13,400 feet MSL.
Aircraft Fuel State
The aircraft departed with 1 hour and 40 minutes of fuel in each tank. At the accident site, the right fuel tank was found full, while the left tank was empty. The fuel selector was positioned to the left tank.
Weather and Terrain
Weather conditions at the time were marginal, with snow showers reported. The aircraft impacted mountainous terrain at an elevation of approximately 7,000 feet MSL. The impact occurred while the aircraft was in a flat spin.